Grizzlies Advance in Playoffs Despite Struggles from Key Players

Memphis, Tennessee — The Memphis Grizzlies secured a spot in the NBA playoffs with a 120-106 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday night, advancing to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round. The Grizzlies were able to bounce back despite a lackluster postseason performance from key players.

Santi Aldama, who has struggled during the playoffs, contributed 10 points and five rebounds off the bench in 31 minutes. In the ongoing playoffs, he has averaged just 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds across two games against the Thunder.

Ja Morant, despite battling an ankle injury, proved pivotal in the matchup. He finished with 22 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, performing remarkably well to help Memphis build an early lead. Memphis went ahead 39-24 after the first quarter, largely thanks to Morant’s strong start and a 19-4 scoring run.

Anthony Davis led the Mavericks with 40 points, but his effort was overshadowed by his ongoing injury challenges. Despite Davis’s scoring, Dallas struggled to exploit mismatches effectively. The Grizzlies’ defense maintained pressure, allowing them to stretch their lead and control the pace of the game.

In the second half, the Mavericks attempted to claw back, cutting the Grizzlies’ lead to 10 points early, but Memphis responded quickly to restore their advantage. The Grizzlies kept pushing on both ends of the court, showcasing a well-rounded offensive effort with contributions from players like Jaren Jackson Jr., who scored 24 points, and Zach Edey, who added 15 points and 11 rebounds.

As the game progressed, Memphis managed to coast to victory, ensuring they remained competitive in their playoff run. Now, they will shift their focus to prepare for a series against the Thunder, while the Mavericks conclude their season, leaving management with significant decisions to make for the future.